Barbara Lois (MacKnight) Mills passed away peacefully at The Moncton Hospital, on September 3rd, with her family by her side. She was born in New Jersey, Northumberland Co, NB, and was the eldest daughter of Douglas and Ethel (Morrison) MacKnight.
Her primary education was in the Burnt Church one room school, and for high school she was taught by her mother and by correspondence courses. She trained as a nurse in Newcastle School of Nursing and was truly passionate about her nursing career, but only worked at it on a part time basis while raising her family. She returned to nursing when her family had grown, and arthritis pain would permit.
Her family always came first and she loved being a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, crafts and spending all birthdays and special occasions together. Christmas was a very special time in the Mills home. The family always gathered to share an abundance of Barb’s home cooking. And, ‘Oh’ how Barb loved children, her homemade cookies were a favorite in the neighborhood. She and John also loved to square and round dance. She enjoyed sewing and made many new dance outfits for every occasion.
She was a member of St. Paul's United Church in Riverview, and was a life member of the UCW, her Friendship Group, NB Antique Car Club, Maritime Pre-War Car Club, and the NB Genealogy Society. Interested in family genealogy all her life, she and John spent many hours working together researching and writing their family histories, and she was very instrumental in bringing family together at several Morrison and MacKnight reunions.
She is survived by John Selwyn, her best friend of 64 years and husband for 59 years; one son, Steven Mills (Cheryl) of Shediac Cape; four daughters, Nancy Elliott (Donavon) of Saskatoon; Ann Simpson (Paul Bastarache) of Moncton; Sharon Geldart (Kevin) of Riverview; and Wendy Mills (Gail Moran) of Ottawa; grandchildren, Benjamin and Pamela Kelly, Scott and Stephanie Simpson, Grace Moran, Christy Reicker, Adam MacKnight and Shanleigh Geldart and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers Ron (Jan) MacKnight and Guy (Sharon) MacKnight.
She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Vera (MacKnight) (Earle) Martin. Special thanks to Dr. Corey Burton, Dr. Andrew Clark and all the nursing staff on 5200 as well as Lynn Ashworth her home care worker.
The family will be receiving relatives and friends at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd., Riverview (869-2007) on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. The funeral service will take place from St. Paul’s United Church (Cleveland Ave. Riverview) on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 2 PM with Rev. Dr. Andy O’Neill officiating. The interment will follow in Alderwood Cemetery. Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to St. Paul’s United Church or the memorial of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca
